Category: Automation Connectivity

Ladder logic simulator showing a motor starter rung and virtual I/O states

Ladder Logic Simulator: Free and Open-Source Options for Practice

Posted on 2026-08-16 by Sam Snider

Use a ladder logic simulator to compare free and open-source options, then build a motor-start ladder exercise with tags, scan tests, fault cases, and saved evidence.

Ladder logic practice screen with simulated inputs and outputs

PLC Technician Certificate: A Practical Path to PLC Programming Skills

Posted on 2026-08-14 by Sam Snider

A PLC technician certificate should connect lessons to lab work, assessment, and portability. Compare academic, provider, vendor, and industry routes, then practice with simulated PLC projects.

Tank-fill PLC ladder logic with field I/O, HMI command, SCADA status, and alarm paths

SCADA HMI: How PLC Ladder Logic Drives Process States

Posted on 2026-08-10 by Sam Snider

SCADA HMI systems show and command a PLC process without replacing the controller. Follow a tank-fill example from field I/O and PLC ladder logic to tags, alarms, scan behavior, and SCADA history.

PLC simulator screen showing a motor start sequence and simulated fault states

PLC Simulator Guide for Beginners

Posted on 2026-07-05 by Sam Snider

Use a PLC simulator to write and test a beginner control sequence, learn scan cycles, timers, interlocks, and fault checks, then compare the same application with a remote RTU.